The Grants’ journey from rehab science to the Dragons’ Den

For Hercules and Faith Grant, the journey from Caribbean roots to Canadian entrepreneurship has been driven by education, sport, rehabilitation science, and a determination to develop health solutions that improve people’s lives.

Now living on an acreage in northeast Edmonton, the couple recently appeared on CBC’s Dragons’ Den, where they pitched a growing line of non-drug health products developed through their company, Tallawah Targeted Relief Inc.

Although restricted from discussing the outcome because of a non-disclosure agreement, the Grants are openly sharing the story behind the products and the years of research that led them there.

“We were pitching a line of topical natural health products,” Faith Grant explained. “Products that have no drugs, but they are strong enough to give drug-like effects.”

The line includes seven products targeting pain relief, arthritis, eczema, acne, muscle soreness, cracked heels, and infant skin irritation.

“It’s like a drug without having to use a drug,” Faith said. “This is a new disruptive line of products that does not currently exist.”

Antigua-born Hercules Grant, and Faith Grant, born in Jamaica, built careers in rehabilitation science and entrepreneurship after studying physical education in Alberta. The couple earned advanced rehabilitation degrees, owned, and operated physiotherapy clinics, while Faith also consulted with elite track and field athletes.

The foundation of Tallawah Targeted Relief was laid more than a decade ago after Hercules travelled to England to acquire rights connected to a formulation originally patented by his uncle.

“We brought the product back to Canada and to the National Institute of Nanotechnology at the University of Alberta,” Hercules explained. “We basically wanted to see what the actual ingredients do.”

Research revealed anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties within the formulation, leading the Grants to spend 12 years refining products for different applications.

“We tested these products on patients, families, friends, and people in our clinics over that period,” Faith said.

All products now carry Natural Product Numbers from Health Canada, allowing the company to market therapeutic claims associated with them.

Getting to Dragons’ Den was itself a demanding process.

“There were over 1,500 applications,” Faith said. “Only 60 were chosen to pitch on the Den.”

After submitting a professionally produced video outlining their products and business model, the Grants advanced through a virtual audition before being invited to Toronto for the televised pitch.

The company entered the Den seeking $250,000 for 12.5 per cent equity, valuing the business at approximately $2 million.

“We didn’t want to be seen as just another topical cream,” Faith explained. “We wanted to separate ourselves from products that simply create a cooling or heating sensation.”

Although still in the early stages of growth, the company has already sold approximately $15,000 worth of products this year.

The products are currently distributed through clinics, direct sales, and limited retail partnerships, including a pharmacy in Jamaica. The company is also exploring online sales, chiropractic partnerships, and influencer marketing.

“Our first line is where people with pain go,” Faith said.

The Grants have also assembled a professional team that includes marketing specialists, a chemical engineer in Sweden, and an experienced chief operating officer with an investment banking background.

Even as Hercules describes himself as semi-retired, both remain deeply involved in the company’s growth and long-term vision.

“At the end of the day, we want people to understand this is something different,” Faith said. “It’s about helping people heal while reducing dependence on drugs.”

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